Deckscape - Tokyo Blackout: Spoiler Rapid Review
Information:
Mechanics: Cooperative, Escape GamePlayer Age: 12+Player Count: 1 - 6 PlayersTime to Play: 60 MinutesGame Designer: Martino Chiacchiera, Silvano SorrentinoGame Artists: Alberto Bontempi
Rundown:
If you have ever played an Unlock or Exit game then you surely know how fun the genre of escape room games in tabletop form can be. Deckscape is another contender in this space, now with 11 games in the series.
Alteration From Other Escape Games:
Deckscape feels very narrative-focused in its delivery. Like a good movie, there is a twist midway that pivots the story to keep the players engaged. This review focuses on Tokyo Blackout and the game, as the name implies, has players solving puzzles in pursuit of getting the power back on in Tokyo. The midway twist finds the culprit of the power shortage being a kaiju and players must work to take down this towering behemoth.
The other element I find different with Deckscape is the gameplay. It will begin at the top card of the deck and will finish at the bottom card. Players will find answers to the puzzle and then flip the card to reveal if their solution was correct or not; receiving a penalty if they are wrong. Some puzzles will reveal numerous other puzzle elements (cards) at a time. This is a great method as it means players don't have to search through decks to find the right card they can simply immerse themself in the narrative.
Puzzles:
The story focuses on an elite team assembled to restore power and fight the Kaiju. This was also the starting point for my favourite puzzle of this escape game, where each team member had a dossier and you would have to choose the best person for the job. The first time I played this game I constantly failed these puzzles because I forgot about the A.I member of the team which was the only member without a dossier.
Also, there was an interesting set of puzzles that had players folding a poster that came with the game set up, revealing different scenes and kaiju positions.
Integral:
I haven't played too many deckscapes yet but I did enjoy the fact that there were a lot of past clues that were integral to many later puzzles. These included information on dossiers, team members symbols, and other authoritative personnel symbols too.
Determination:
- Great plot that is driven throughout the entirety of the cards.
- Fun puzzles that use both relevant details from the direct puzzle and past clues.
- Replayable to a new group of people, as anything that damages the cards can be done using paper instead.
As I slowly venture through all the escape games, the deckscape series is the latest one and instantly has me eager for more. I have now played 'Escape from Alcatraz' and 'Tokyo Blackout'. Both were amazing with unique puzzles and a captivating storyline. If you are looking for an escape game franchise that’s immersive and detailed then I recommend Deckscape. In particular, Tokyo Blackout will have you captivated from start to finish, even if you have to attempt the game a second time like I did.
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